Heroin Addiction Treatment in Denver

According to a report by the Metro Denver Regional Substance Abuse Service System, Denver, Colorado has a higher rate of heroin-related deaths compared to the national average. In 2018, the Denver County Coroner's Office reported 110 deaths due to heroin overdose, which was an increase from 2017.

Treatment Options for Heroin Addiction in Denver, Colorado:

1. Inpatient Rehabilitation Programs: Inpatient rehab programs provide 24/7 medical care and support for individuals struggling with heroin addiction. These programs offer a structured and safe environment, with access to therapy, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). In Denver, there are numerous inpatient rehab centers, such as Cedar Springs Hospital and Denver Health, that specialize in treating individuals with heroin addiction.

2. Outpatient Rehabilitation Programs: Outpatient rehab programs are suitable for individuals with milder cases of heroin addiction or those who have completed an inpatient program. These programs offer flexibility and allow patients to attend treatment while living at home and maintain daily responsibilities. There are several outpatient rehab centers in Denver, including the Denver Recovery Center and the University of Colorado Denver Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic.

3. Mental Health Services: Many individuals struggling with heroin addiction also have underlying mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. In Denver, there are resources available for dual diagnosis treatment, where both substance abuse and mental health issues are addressed together. Mental health services can be accessed through private practices, community mental health centers, and hospitals.

Disorders Associated with Heroin Addiction in Denver, Colorado:

1. Co-occurring Substance Use Disorders: Heroin addiction is often associated with other substance use disorders, such as alcoholism or prescription drug abuse. According to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2018, 29.4% of people seeking treatment for heroin addiction in Colorado reported also using alcohol, and 16.9% reported using prescription drugs.

2. Mental Health Disorders: As mentioned earlier, individuals with heroin addiction often have underlying mental health disorders. According to a 2019 survey by Mental Health Colorado, Denver has a higher prevalence of mental illness compared to the national average. The survey found that 22% of adults in Denver reported experiencing a mental health disorder, while the national average is 18.5%.

Facts about Heroin Addiction Treatment in Denver, Colorado:

1. Methadone Treatment Clinics: Methadone is a medication commonly used to treat heroin addiction. In Denver, there are eleven methadone treatment clinics, including the Center for Dependency, Addiction, and Rehabilitation and the Addiction Research and Treatment Services Clinic at the University of Colorado Denver.

2. Peer Support Groups: Peer support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous and Heroin Anonymous, have chapters in Denver and offer a supportive community for individuals in recovery. These groups provide a safe space to share experiences and receive support from others who have gone through a similar journey.

3. Opioid Treatment Programs: Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) use FDA-approved medications, such as methadone and buprenorphine, to treat opioid addiction. In Denver, there are several OTPs, including the Denver Treatment Services Program and the Crossroads Treatment Centers.

In conclusion, Denver, Colorado, has a significant presence of resources and treatment options for individuals struggling with heroin addiction. However, the increasing number of heroin-related deaths and high prevalence of mental health disorders in the city highlight the need for more awareness, prevention, and access to treatment. It's crucial for individuals to seek help for their addiction and for the community to support and advocate for those in recovery.